BEAD and Beyond: Sustaining State Broadband Offices After the Buildout

Thursday, October 8, 2026
02:00 - 03:00 PM
Room: Richmond/Roanoke

This session will share early-breaking findings from a new Benton research project about the risks to sustainability of work on broadband and digital inclusion at the state government level. Benton is interviewing state broadband office staff to gather a nationwide view of challenges and to develop recommendations about how to keep the work going past BEAD implementation. Hear from a range of stakeholders about what comes after BEAD.

2026 AnchorNets Breakout 10: BEAD and Beyond

  • Michael Baldino
    Michael Baldino
    Director and General Counsel Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) (MA SBLN)
    Speaker
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  • Janie Dunning
    Janie Dunning
    State Coordinator Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
    Speaker
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  • Eric Frederick
    Eric Frederick
    Chief Connectivity Officer Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi) (MI SBLN)
    Speaker
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  • Drew Garner
    Drew Garner
    Director of Policy Engagement Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
    Speaker
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  • Bree Maki
    Bree Maki
    Executive Director Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (MN SBLN)
    Speaker
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  • Anna Read
    Anna Read
    Principal HR&A Advisors
    Speaker
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  • Chandler Vaughan
    Chandler Vaughan
    Acting Director of the Office of Broadband Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) (VA SBLN)
    Speaker
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